Bipolar depression and feeling bad about work

[Ellen Forradalom]

I've had some breakthrough depression symptoms these past few days. It's made it impossible for me to focus and accomplish anything at work, and I feel terrible because of it. I've had thoughts of quitting for two days.

I just reread the bipolar depression article at McMan Web and was struck by the following:

{I}ndividuals with bipolar depression "were more likely to report that they did their work poorly, felt ashamed of their work, had arguments outside the home, felt upset, and never found their work interesting compared to those with unipolar depression. (Emphasis mine.)

I have had just those thoughts many times. I hope that I can buck up a bit over the weekend and pull through until I see a doctor on Wednesday for a meds adjustment.

*sigh*

[Irishonly]

1. Have You Heard About Tamoxifen As A Treatment For Bipolar

My husband was diagnosed as bipolar and received Social Security in record time. Unfortunately, he doesn't qualify for Medicare yet and since we are both disabled getting medication is tough. I was on Tamoxifen for five years as a treatment for breast cancer. There is some talk it also shows success in helping people with bipolar. My husband's doctor gives him samples and treats him pro bono or he would really be in trouble.

I am about ready to write to the pharmaceutical company and request help for medication. Like many others he hates the way the medication makes him feel and sometimes just stops taking it for about a week. Those weeks are not fun.

I have several chronic conditions and take Wellbutrin as an anti depressant and also as part of pain management.

I hope you are having a restful weekend. Sometimes it's horribly hard to buck up and those that are usually telling you to have no freakin idea as to what they are talking about. Maybe your doctor will be aware of the new research. It may help. I know it's darn near impossible to finally get the right combination of meds.

[mopinko]

2. iirc, this was one study, and a long way from being a

recommended drug for bipolar. i think it was just found as a side effect of treating for cancer. it has not been approved, and is not recommended for bp. the side effects are far too dangerous to use it for anything but cancer.
not that there isn't a dire need for new drugs.

[Ellen Forradalom]

3. Thanks for the good wishes

My current meds have been doing me more or less well for a while now. It may be simply be a question of tweaking the dosage, as my current levels are on the low side.

I have recently taken up swimming and find it immensely helpful for immediate relief. The lift may not last more than a few hours after a session but it's a real life-saver. I am thinking ratcheting up the swims from 3x/weekly to 6x weekly.

[no name no slogan]

6. You're doing very well IMHO.

I wouldnn't do more than 5x a week though. I've heard that excessive exercising can trigger manic episodes in some people. With me, it's usually a sign that I could be getting a bit hypomanic. If you keep it to 1/2 hour per session (even 5x/week) you're probably OK though. However it's really good to do it if you're feeling a depressive episode though. Even if it's only temporary it's worth it.

:hi:

[no name no slogan]

4. Bipolars tend to be perfectionists, too, which doesn't help

I know that I'm my own worst critic, especially when it comes to work. No job is ever good enough, and consequently things are never "done", either.

Hope you can get in for some help next week. Hang in there :hug:

[Ellen Forradalom]

5. Oh dear

my little boy has perfectionist tendencies. I hope he doesn't suffer from bipolar disorder the way I do. :-(